Gates are often the most used and most stressed part of any fence system. They are opened daily, exposed to weather year round, and expected to stay aligned while carrying significant weight. When a gate fails, it usually is not sudden or mysterious. It is the result of a few common mistakes made at the beginning.
Here are the real reasons gates fail and what should be done differently.
Posts Set Too Shallow
A gate is only as strong as the posts holding it. One of the most common failures we see is posts that were not set deep enough for the weight and movement of the gate.
Gate posts need to resist not just vertical load, but constant lateral force from opening, closing, wind, and ground movement. Shallow posts shift over time, which leads to sagging, dragging, and misalignment. Once a post moves, the gate follows.
Depth matters. So does proper footing size and soil consideration. This is not an area to cut corners.
Hardware Not Rated for the Weight
Heavy gates require hardware designed to carry heavy loads. Decorative hinges or light duty hardware may look good on install day, but they are not built for long term performance.
Underrated hardware wears out quickly, bends under stress, or fails altogether. Proper hinges, latches, and fasteners should be selected based on gate size, material, and frequency of use, not appearance alone.
Gate Too Wide
Wide gates are visually appealing, but width dramatically increases leverage and stress on posts and hardware. The wider the gate, the more force is applied every time it moves.
Many gate failures happen because the span was pushed too far without compensating with structural support, reinforced framing, or additional posts. Good gate design balances access needs with structural reality.
No Allowance for Movement
All materials move. Wood expands and contracts. Metal shifts with temperature. Soil heaves and settles. Gates that are built too tight with no tolerance for movement will bind, drag, or twist over time.
Allowances for seasonal movement and daily use are not flaws. They are intentional design decisions that keep gates functioning smoothly long term.
Built for Looks, Not Load
This is one of the biggest problems we see. A gate can look beautiful and still be structurally wrong.
When design prioritizes appearance over load bearing requirements, failure is only a matter of time. A properly built gate considers weight distribution, internal framing, hinge placement, and long term stress first. Aesthetics should complement structure, not replace it.
The Bottom Line
Most gate failures are not accidents. They are predictable outcomes of poor planning, improper materials, or shortcuts during installation.
A well built gate should open smoothly, stay aligned, and perform for years without constant adjustment. That only happens when it is designed and built with structure in mind from the start.
If you are investing in a custom gate, make sure it is built for load, movement, and longevity, not just the photo on install day.
Because the gates you notice most are the ones that stop working.
Utah Winters Are Hard on Fences — Here’s What to Check Right Now
Utah winters don’t play around. Between heavy snow, freeze–thaw cycles, and strong wind gusts, fences take more stress in winter than most homeowners realize. The tricky part? A lot of damage doesn’t show up until spring.
Here are the most common winter fence issues we see across Utah—and what you can look for right now.
1. Leaning Posts
When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, soil shifts. If posts weren’t set deep enough or properly reinforced, they’ll start to lean—sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
What to look for:
Posts that look “slightly off” now will be noticeably worse once the ground softens.
2. Loose or Popped Fasteners
Cold temperatures cause materials to contract. Over time, nails and screws can loosen, especially on wood fences.
What to look for:
Rails pulling away, boards rattling in the wind, or gaps that weren’t there in the fall.
3. Snow Load Stress
Snow sitting on fence rails adds weight that fences aren’t designed to hold long-term—especially privacy fences.
What to look for:
Sagging sections, cracked rails, or bowed panels.
4. Gate Alignment Issues
Gates are often the first thing to show winter damage because they rely on perfect alignment.
What to look for:
Gates that drag, don’t latch, or suddenly feel “heavy.”
5. Hidden Moisture Damage
Snow melts, refreezes, and seeps into wood grain. Cedar is resilient, but even cedar needs proper installation to withstand Utah winters year after year.
What to look for:
Darkened wood near the base of posts or soft spots once temperatures rise.
Most fence failures don’t happen all at once. They start in winter and show up in spring—when repairs are more expensive and schedules fill fast.
Catching small issues now can mean:
• Simple adjustments instead of full replacements
• Longer fence lifespan
• Fewer surprises when spring hits
If something looks off, it probably is.
Why Gates Fail (And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t)
Gates are often the most used and most stressed part of any fence system. They are opened daily, exposed to weather year round, and expected to stay aligned while carrying significant weight. When a gate fails, it usually is not sudden or mysterious. It is the result of a few common mistakes made at the beginning.
Here are the real reasons gates fail and what should be done differently.
Posts Set Too Shallow
A gate is only as strong as the posts holding it. One of the most common failures we see is posts that were not set deep enough for the weight and movement of the gate.
Gate posts need to resist not just vertical load, but constant lateral force from opening, closing, wind, and ground movement. Shallow posts shift over time, which leads to sagging, dragging, and misalignment. Once a post moves, the gate follows.
Depth matters. So does proper footing size and soil consideration. This is not an area to cut corners.
Hardware Not Rated for the Weight
Heavy gates require hardware designed to carry heavy loads. Decorative hinges or light duty hardware may look good on install day, but they are not built for long term performance.
Underrated hardware wears out quickly, bends under stress, or fails altogether. Proper hinges, latches, and fasteners should be selected based on gate size, material, and frequency of use, not appearance alone.
Gate Too Wide
Wide gates are visually appealing, but width dramatically increases leverage and stress on posts and hardware. The wider the gate, the more force is applied every time it moves.
Many gate failures happen because the span was pushed too far without compensating with structural support, reinforced framing, or additional posts. Good gate design balances access needs with structural reality.
No Allowance for Movement
All materials move. Wood expands and contracts. Metal shifts with temperature. Soil heaves and settles. Gates that are built too tight with no tolerance for movement will bind, drag, or twist over time.
Allowances for seasonal movement and daily use are not flaws. They are intentional design decisions that keep gates functioning smoothly long term.
Built for Looks, Not Load
This is one of the biggest problems we see. A gate can look beautiful and still be structurally wrong.
When design prioritizes appearance over load bearing requirements, failure is only a matter of time. A properly built gate considers weight distribution, internal framing, hinge placement, and long term stress first. Aesthetics should complement structure, not replace it.
The Bottom Line
Most gate failures are not accidents. They are predictable outcomes of poor planning, improper materials, or shortcuts during installation.
A well built gate should open smoothly, stay aligned, and perform for years without constant adjustment. That only happens when it is designed and built with structure in mind from the start.
If you are investing in a custom gate, make sure it is built for load, movement, and longevity, not just the photo on install day.
Because the gates you notice most are the ones that stop working.
What Custom Fence Fabrication Really Means (And Why It Matters)
When most people think about a fence, they picture the finished product — the clean lines, the solid gate, the way it frames a home or property. What often gets overlooked is how that fence is made, and why custom fabrication makes such a difference.
At Western Fence, fabrication isn’t an afterthought. It’s where every project truly begins.
Not All Fences Are Created Equal
Pre-manufactured fencing has its place, but it comes with limitations. Fixed sizes, limited styles, and little flexibility when it comes to unique properties or design goals.
Custom fabrication allows us to:
• Build to exact measurements, not “close enough”
• Match architectural details of a home or remodel
• Create gates, railings, and fences that work with slopes, grades, and challenging layouts
• Control quality at every step, from raw material to final install
Simply put, it allows us to build what actually fits — both functionally and visually.
Inside the Fabrication Shop
Our fabrication shop is where raw steel, aluminum, and materials are transformed into finished pieces. This is where ideas become physical, measurements matter, and details get the attention they deserve.
Every weld, cut, and finish is done with a purpose. Custom doesn’t mean complicated — it means intentional. When something is built in-house, we can adjust, refine, and perfect it before it ever reaches your property.
Why Clients Choose Custom
Homeowners, builders, and designers choose custom fabrication because it delivers:
• Stronger, longer-lasting structures
• Cleaner lines and better fit
• Unique designs that can’t be bought off a shelf
• Confidence that the fence was built specifically for their project
It’s not about being flashy. It’s about building something that works, lasts, and looks right for years to come.
Built on Trust
Every fence we fabricate represents trust — trust that we’ll build it correctly, install it cleanly, and stand behind it. That responsibility is something we take seriously.
From residential properties to larger construction projects, Western Fence approaches every job with the same mindset: build it right the first time.
The Bottom Line
A fence is more than a boundary. It’s part of how a property functions, looks, and feels. Custom fabrication ensures it’s done intentionally, not generically.
At Western Fence, we don’t just install fences — we build them.
“I’ll Deal With It Next Year” list…Start with the Fence!
It’s that strange week after Christmas and before the New Year. The decorations are still up, the calendar is quiet, and everyone is mentally saying, “I’ll deal with it next year.”
For a lot of homeowners, the fence is on that list.
Before the year officially turns over, this is actually the best time to take a look — not to start a big project, but to notice what winter is already showing you.
Here’s what to check while things are still slow.
1. Did Anything Shift When the Ground Froze?
Freezing temperatures cause soil to move, and fences feel it first. A post that wasn’t leaning in October might be slightly off now.
Why it matters right now:
Small shifts are easier to fix before deeper winter and spring thaw make them worse.
2. Are Gates Opening the Same Way They Did Last Month?
If a gate drags, sticks, or won’t latch smoothly, alignment has already changed.
Why it matters right now:
Cold weather exposes stress points early — before hinges or posts fail.
3. Are There New Cracks or Splits in the Wood?
Moisture freezes, expands, and leaves clues behind. Tiny cracks now can turn into bigger problems by spring.
Why it matters right now:
Sealing or addressing damage during this downtime saves repairs later.
4. Did Any Old Repairs Show Their Age?
That quick fix from last year? Winter has a way of testing honesty.
Why it matters right now:
Temporary solutions rarely survive multiple seasons.
5. Do You Want to Be Planning — or Panicking — in Spring?
Once spring hits, schedules fill fast. The people who plan now get options. The ones who wait get timelines.
Why it matters right now:
This is the calm before the busy season.
Before the Calendar Changes
You don’t need to fix everything this week. Just notice. Make a plan. Decide what “next year” actually looks like.
Because the best fence projects don’t start in spring — they start with paying attention now.
Western Fence
Built for seasons. Planned with intention.
If Fences Were Christmas Cards
If Christmas cards were fences, they wouldn’t be perfectly pressed or flawlessly scripted. They’d be a little crooked in places. They’d squeak when the gate opens. They’d be wrapped in holiday lights that almost all work and still proudly say, “Merry Christmas,” while quietly hoping no one leans too hard.
And honestly, that’s not a bad thing.
A fence tells a story. It shows where a home has been, how it’s been cared for, and sometimes how long something has been “good enough for now.” During the holidays, when everything is lit up and on display, those details become harder to ignore.
The truth is, many fences survive year after year by sheer determination. They hold lights, frame family photos, and welcome guests — even when they’re past their prime. But there’s a big difference between a fence that’s just getting by and one that’s built to last.
That’s where intention matters.
A well-built fence doesn’t just define a property line. It adds confidence to a home. It stands straight through wind, weather, and time. It doesn’t ask guests to step carefully or avoid leaning. It simply does its job — quietly and reliably.
At Western Fence, we believe your fence should be something you’re proud of, not something you apologize for. Whether it’s replacing an aging fence, upgrading materials, or planning for the future, the goal is the same: craftsmanship that lasts beyond one season.
So if this year your fence feels like the Christmas card — festive, familiar, but a little worn — that’s okay.
Next year, let it be the reason people stop and admire the home behind it.
Because a great fence doesn’t just make it through the holidays.
It shows up strong for every season after.
Merry Christmas
With Love
The Western Fence Company
Why Winter is the Sneakiest Best Time to Build a Fence
Why Winter Is the Sneakiest Best Time to Build a Fence
(Yes, Even During the Holidays)
If you’re reading this while hiding in the bathroom from your relatives, welcome. You’re safe here.
It’s the holiday season. The time of year when your Amazon packages pile up, your calendar fills with “quick get-togethers” that last four hours, and suddenly everyone has opinions about everything. Including your yard.
You know the comments.
“Have you always had that open side?”
“Wow, your dog really loves freedom.”
“Do your neighbors just… walk through here?”
And that’s when it hits you.
You need a fence.
The Myth: “Winter Isn’t Fence Season”
A lot of homeowners assume fence projects need to wait until spring. Dirt is frozen. Schedules are packed. The ground looks suspicious.
Here’s the truth. Winter is actually one of the best times to plan or install a fence.
The ground in Utah is often workable, crews have more scheduling flexibility, and you get ahead of the spring rush when everyone suddenly decides on the same weekend that they need privacy.
Also, prices do not magically get cheaper in April. If anything, demand goes up. Planning now is the quiet power move.
The Reality: Your Yard Is Still Doing Yard Things
Winter doesn’t stop dogs from escaping.
It doesn’t stop kids from chasing balls into neighbors’ lawns.
It doesn’t stop neighbors from wandering a little too close while “just checking something.”
A fence isn’t seasonal. It’s year-round peace of mind.
And let’s be honest. There’s something deeply satisfying about starting the new year with a problem already solved.
Fence-mas Is Our Love Language
This season, we’re celebrating 12 Days of Fence-mas, which is our festive way of saying thank you for trusting us with your property, your privacy, and your sanity.
Right now, we’re offering $300 off full-yard fence installations (100’ minimum), because even Santa appreciates solid boundaries.
You get:
• Professional installation
• Durable materials built for Utah weather
• A team that has been doing this for decades, not a “side hustle”
• And a yard that finally feels finished
Why Western Fence Co.
We’ve been building fences long enough to know that this isn’t just about posts and panels. It’s about craftsmanship, straight lines, proper installs, and doing it right the first time.
We don’t rush. We don’t cut corners. And we don’t disappear after the job is done.
Just solid work, built to last, season after season.
Final Thought
If you’re already thinking about a fence, your brain has decided. Your calendar just hasn’t caught up yet.
Winter is the moment.
Fence-mas is the excuse.
And peace of mind is the gift you actually want this year.
Give us a call. We’ll handle the rest.
The Backyard Trend Everyone’s Talking About
A strange thing has been happening this year. Homeowners, designers, and even a few curious neighbors have started asking the same question: “What’s that modern fence I keep seeing everywhere?”
Welcome to the era of the horizontal fence.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, this might be the trend that finally nudges you out of Pinterest and into reality.
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Why Horizontal Is Having Its Moment
For starters, it looks modern without trying too hard. Instead of traditional vertical boards, horizontal lines instantly give a backyard a more architectural, intentional feel. It’s like your yard suddenly got a degree in design.
And homeowners are loving it for a few reasons:
• more privacy with tighter spacing
• clean, modern look
• visually widens the yard
• works with wood or steel
Translation: it looks custom without requiring a full renovation budget.
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Does It Work in Utah?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: absolutely.
Whether you’re downtown, in the suburbs, or on acreage, horizontal fencing pairs beautifully with Utah’s landscape and modern home styles. Think cedar against mountain views or steel with minimalist architecture.
And bonus: It actually photographs well, so it’s basically Instagram-friendly backyard security.
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Wood or Steel?
Wood gives you warmth and timelessness. Steel gives durability and low maintenance. Both look incredible in a horizontal layout, so it really comes down to how much maintenance you want in your life.
Tip: If you’re not into staining and sealing every few years, a steel horizontal fence is going to be your best friend.
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Pro Tip from Western Fence
Go for a mixed-width layout. Instead of using boards all the same size, alternate widths for a custom look. It’s a small design detail that makes a big difference. Your neighbors will wonder who your designer is.
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What to Know Before Installing
A few things to think about:
• your slope or grade
• HOA rules
• privacy preference
• wood vs steel maintenance
If you’re in Utah, we can walk you through all of this. We’ve built enough horizontal fences at this point to write a dissertation, but we’d rather just build you one.
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Trend or Here to Stay?
Horizontal fencing isn’t a passing trend. It’s becoming a staple of modern backyard design. Think of it like stainless appliances in the kitchen. It’s not going anywhere.
So if your backyard is ready for a glow-up, and you want privacy that still feels stylish, this might be your moment.
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Ready for something beautiful?
We install modern horizontal wood and steel fences all across Utah, and we love helping homeowners choose the right style for their space.
Ask us for a quote or a design recommendation. We love talking fencing probably more than we should.
Winter-Proof Your Fence: 6 Things Every Utah Homeowner Should Do Before the Snow Hits
Western Fence Tips
Winter proof your fence
Utah winter doesn’t play around. One minute you’re sipping cider on the porch and the next you’re Googling why your fence is leaning like it had a long night out. Cold temps, heavy snow, and icy ground can all take a toll on your fencing, but a little prep work now can save you repairs (and money) in the spring.
Here are the six smartest moves you can make to keep your fence standing strong until the thaw.
1. Check for wobble season
Before the ground freezes, give your fence a quick shake test. Posts that wiggle even a little can become problem children when the soil expands with moisture and cold. If something feels loose, it’s easier to fix it now before winter tries to finish the job.
2. Look for cracks or weather wear
Wood expands and contracts through the seasons, which can create cracks or gaps. Vinyl can become brittle. Metal can rust. A fast visual check can help you spot problems early so they don’t become full-blown spring surprises.
3. Trim back the snow-load creators
Branches bending under snow can snap and land right on your fence. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back so your fence isn’t taking hits all winter.
4. Clean the fence line
Leaves, debris, and old pumpkins from Halloween can hold moisture that freezes and thaws, pushing against your fence. Clearing the base helps reduce pressure and rot.
5. Protect wooden fences from moisture
A fresh sealant before the cold snaps in can make a huge difference. Think of it like putting on moisturizer before stepping into a snowstorm.
6. Check your gates
Gates get stubborn when the ground heaves in winter. Make sure they swing smoothly and latch properly now so you’re not out there in January wrestling with them like it’s a CrossFit workout.
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A few minutes of prep now can extend the life of your fence by years. It keeps your home secure, your pets safe, and your property looking put together even when everything else is buried in snow.
If you want help winterizing or you’re eyeing a new fence for spring, Western Fence has been Utah’s go to for 78 years and counting. We keep Utah yards safe in every season.
How to Prep Your Yard for a New Fence
A simple guide from Western Fence, Utah’s favorite fence people
Getting a new fence is kind of like getting a new haircut. It instantly levels up the whole look, but there’s a little prep work that makes the final result way better. The good news is that fence prep is way easier than growing out bangs.
Here’s everything you need to do before our crew shows up and starts making your yard look amazing.
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1. Know Where Your Property Line Actually Is
Listen. We love confidence, but “I think it’s around here somewhere” is not the vibe.
Check your plat map, talk to the city if needed, or mark what you do know.
This avoids neighbor drama, awkward conversations, and fences that need to move later.
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2. Call 811 Before You Dig
This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a must.
Utah requires utilities to be marked before any digging happens. It keeps everyone safe and keeps your yard from becoming a surprise geyser.
We’ll dig the holes, but you need to get the utilities marked.
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3. Clear the Fence Line Like You’re Hosting a Party
Move kids’ toys, lawn décor, your cousin’s broken trampoline, garden boxes, and anything else that could block the install.
Think of it like rolling out a red carpet for your new fence.
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4. Trim Back Anything Trying to Become a Tree
Bushes, branches, vines, the neighbor’s shrubs that decided to migrate.
If it touches the line, trim it.
It speeds up the install and helps the fence last longer.
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5. Make Sure Pets Have a Backup Plan
Dogs, cats, goats, emotional support chickens… we’ve seen it all.
The fence area will be open during installation, so make sure your pets have a safe place to hang out.
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6. Be Accessible
We don’t need cookies, but we won’t turn them down.
What we do need is access to the yard, a clear path for equipment, and someone available if we have questions.
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7. Get Excited
You’re about to have a fence that actually looks good and does its job.
Privacy, safety, curb appeal, the whole thing.
This is the glow-up your yard deserves.
A simple guide from Western Fence, Utah’s favorite fence people
Why Your Fence Matters Even More During the Holidays
Holiday Fences: The Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do)
The holidays are here, which means twinkle lights, hot cocoa, questionable fruitcake, and… fences. Yes, fences.
Stay with us.
Your fence works harder during the holiday season than you think. Between delivery drivers, surprise relatives, snowstorms, and that one neighbor who loves yard inflatables a little too much, your fence is the unsung hero holding the whole outdoor circus together.
So let’s give it a little love.
Here’s your Holiday Fence Survival Guide, complete with a festive checklist to help your fence shine brighter than your neighbor’s 12-foot inflatable Santa.
1. Delivery Season = Fence Season
Packages are coming nonstop. Make sure your fence and gate open, close, and latch smoothly so your deliveries stay inside your yard, not rolling down the street like rogue holiday gifts.
2. Snow + Wood + Time = Not a Christmas Miracle
Cold weather is rough on wood fences. A quick inspection now prevents headaches later, like surprise leaning, warping, or that one board that decides to fully give up mid-January.
3. Holiday Guests Notice Everything
Family members have a sixth sense for pointing out things you already know need fixing. Beat them to it. A sturdy fence gives your home that “I have my life together” look.
4. Lights Look Better on a Strong Fence
The only thing worse than untangling a pile of Christmas lights is hanging them on a fence that’s listing like a ship at sea.
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Your Festive Fence Checklist Before the Holidays Hit
Print it. Screenshot it. Pretend you thought of it yourself.
Here’s everything to check before the snow piles up and the guests roll in.
✔ Check for loose or wiggly posts
If your fence shakes like a chihuahua in December, it’s time for reinforcement.
✔ Tighten all your hardware
Screws, hinges, and latches like to loosen when temperatures drop. It’s basically science.
✔ Give gates extra attention
Are they dragging? Sticking? Squeaking?
Your gate is the front door of the fence world. Treat it well.
✔ Clear debris from around the bottom
Leaves and snow sitting against the bottom of a fence can speed up moisture damage.
Bonus: you’ll look productive to the neighbors.
✔ Do a quick vibe check for rot or rust
Wood fences: look for soft spots.
Iron fences: check for rust or flaking.
Vinyl fences: look for cracks or impact damage from last year’s epic snowball fight.
✔ Confirm your lights can hang safely
Heavy lights + weak fence = midnight disaster.
✔ Consider a little touch-up
A fresh board, a small repair, or a smidge of paint makes your whole yard holiday-ready.
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When to Call in the Pros
If your fence leans, drags, creaks, sags, or looks like it’s trying to escape the property… that’s where Western Fence comes in.
We repair. We replace. We build brand-new fences that can handle Utah winters, delivery drivers, and every inflatable snowman in a five-mile radius.
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Make This the Year Your Fence Stays Off the Naughty List
Give it a quick check, fix what you can, and call us for the rest.
Your holidays will be a little brighter. Your yard will look a little better.
And your fence will thank you silently by not falling over on New Year’s Eve.
Happy holidays from Western Fence.
May your cocoa be warm and your fence be sturdy.